I think the Sox and the rest of the AL East should make note Tampa Bay still has a powerful offense indicated by Thursday's 7-2 victory over the Sox.

Last year in fact, the Devil Rays had more hits, runs scored, doubles, triples, rbis and stolen bases than the World Champion Chicago White Sox.

This year the team has even improved its offense with the return of Rocco Baldelli. Things could get even more interesting if the team could move some of its talented outfield for some pitching.

Besides Scott Kazmir, who seemingly owns the Sox, the team pitching is particularly weak. Although, I like the addition of Edwin Jackson. I'm surprised that the Dodgers gave up on him so; Jackson has looked particularly strong this spring.

No, they will never be contenders but spoilers for sure.

ESPN's Peter Gammons points out once again that the Sox have a lot of questions and little answers.

I'm not sure I agree. Coco Crisp has looked particularly good this spring. Curt Schilling, though aging rapidly, has lost some weight which will certainly help the ankle. David Ortiz is as strong as ever. Jason Varitek is still team captain. And all reports indicate that Keith Foulke is once again healthy, perhaps even healthier than ever before.

One answer is Josh Beckett. The Boston Herald says that Beckett is booming. Though, I love Beckett this may be an overestimate at this time. He needs to remain healthy and the Sox need to be there to help heal the blister woes that have plagued the young righthander.

SI's Stephen Cannella rants about David Wells' latest displeasure. If the Red Sox go with a four-man rotation, it looks as though Wells, may want out again.

There is a rumor about that has the Red Sox looking for a third catcher to add to their roster now that John Flaherty retired. Those same rumors have Mirabelli coming back to Boston. Seems to make sense, trade Wells for Mirabelli. Controversy over.

The Red Sox are also looking for a new home for Tony Graffanino. The longer the wait the more expensive it becomes. Rumors have Graffanino going to Baltimore for Luis Matos. Matos would then become the backup outfielder. Matos is more established than Dustan Mohr. I like Graffanino and wish there were a place for him here but with Mark Loretta at second, he's the odd man out.

The Sox are looking to get a bonafide first baseman. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot of faith in Kevin Youkilis, but doubts have emerged around Mike Lowell. He hs not been able to catch up to the big leaguers fastball this spring. Some have the team looking at Cincinatti's Adam Dunn. That would be huge. However, I'm not sure who would fill that void for the Reds. It is obvious, as I've mentioned before, that the Reds are in need of some arms. Matt Clement may be a good fit there.

There is also a trade rumor brewing between the Astros and Sox. What it could be is anyone's guess. Perhaps the return of Jeff Bagwell? Not very likely, he can't play the field very well and Boston has the best DH.

Stay tuned.

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